When The Lights Go Down

Smokin' Jacket

"One, two, one, two, three." Alice counts down, for the band, smiling as soon as their instruments come in.

I want a man with a smoking jacket
And a deeper pocket with money to burn
I want a man who knows his status
And he makes a habit of loving me till it hurts

Alice begins to sing, voice smoky and sultry as she thinks of the man she wrote it about.

He might be heavy on the pedal
But he knows how to take it slow
He might be quite continental
But he's sure gonna take me home
Yes, he is

I want a man with a smoking jacket
And a car thats classic living bourgeoisie
I want a man whose heart is tragic
But he makes his magic every night on me

We go together just like nicotine and Chanel
And when he lights up I'm his lucky strike
Waiting for him to exhale

I want a man with a smo-

Alice jumps as a hand falls to her shoulder. "Jesus!" She clutches her chest in surprise and meets the eyes of FP who's smiling mischievously at her.

"Jumpy much?" He teases.

"Only when I'm snuck up on." She retorts, her face softening as she subtly leans into him.

Their relationship is common knowledge to the band now, but it still doesn't feel any less strange showing affection out in the open.

Not that they seem to mind, as it turned out there was a bet amongst the band as to when and if FP and Alice would get together.

"Is this a new one?" FP wonders, picking up the sheet music from the table in front of her.

"Sorta new, I've been working on it for a while, I just finally finished it."

"A bit steamy," He comments. "I like the not so innocent side of you."

Alice fondly rolls her eyes, but her face softens in doubt. "Do you think it sounds okay?"

"From the little bit I heard? And these lyrics here? It sounds incredible." He assures her. "Though I love everything you write."

Alice raises a knowing eyebrow at him. "Especially the ones that are about you, right?"

He smirks. "No comment."

"Mhm."

"You gonna sing this tonight?" He wonders, hand falling to her thigh and squeezing gently.

"Probably not. Maybe when we go public with our relationship, but for now? I think it's a little too personal to share with the world."

"Can I hear it in full?" He requests softly, endearingly.

She smiles brightly at him. "I think that can be arranged."

<>

"Thank you!" FP yells out to the crowd as he and Alice take their final bows for the standing, cheering audience before them. "You've been incredible, thank you so much!"

FP follows close behind Alice as the stage lights dim and they make their way backstage.

"Gosh that never gets old." Alice grins as the sound of the crowd still cheering echoes in her ears.

"Never. It's the best feeling in the entire world." FP agrees, and he takes a quick glance around before hooking his arm around her waist and tugging her towards him, kissing her sweetly. "You were amazing." He tells her. "As always."

"Same to you." Alice loops her arms lazily around his neck and steals another kiss, lingering for a moment before pulling away from him completely as the stage begins to crowd. "What are you doing later?" She flirtatiously asks.

"Well I'm hoping to have a date with a gorgeous blonde. Do you think she'd be interested?"

"Depends, does she get room service?"

"Anything she wants." FP confirms, following her to where Fred and Mary are standing.

"Great show tonight, you two." Mary compliments.

"Thanks, Mare." FP says, suddenly noticing the giddy look on Fred's face. "What's got you all smiley?" He wonders.

"I've got big news for you." Fred exclaims, practically bursting with excitement. "A hotshot producing company reached out and is coming to the show. If all goes well they've talked about producing your next album and extending the tour to Europe."

"What?" FP cries out in shock. "No way, that's amazing. When are they coming?"

"The Friday night show." Fred divulges the information. "Which gives us time to polish up the setlist, maybe add something new?"

"How about we all meet tomorrow morning, discuss it over breakfast?" FP suggests.

<>

"I think you should definitely sing Amazed, that's one of my favourites." Alice gushes, helping FP brainstorm a setlist.

"I think we should sing that one we've been working on together." FP suggests. "We can give what we have to the band and get their help polishing it off."

"That sounds nice." Alice agrees.

"I'm keeping Vice on here for you, that's non-negotiable." He states adamantly, drawing a little star next to the song.

Alice smiles at that, it's the song she was singing the night they met and he always has the biggest, goofiest grin on his face when she sings it.

He looks up from the notepad on his lap and finally takes in her appearance; face bare of any makeup, and wearing a t-shirt that's far too big for her, the fabric darker around her shoulders from her wet hair dripping onto it.

"Hey," He calls, getting her attention as he sets the notepad and pen aside. "Come here."

She smiles at him and toes her way over to the bed, crawling up it until she's sitting in his lap, arms draped over his shoulders.

She smells of roses and it's intoxicating. He leans towards her and brushes her hair aside, pressing his lips to her neck.

Alice lolls her head back, revelling in the feel of his lips on her skin, teeth nipping gently and making her gasp.

"You're so beautiful." He whispers against her throat, stroking her back as she leans in further to him.

She catches his lips hungrily and he chuckles. "I thought you wanted room service?" He teases, diving onto her lips again.

"After." She breathes into his mouth. "Right now I want you."

"You're better than room service anyway." He growls as she tugs at his bottom lip with her teeth.

He gets a tighter grip on her and flips her swiftly, hand sliding up her leg to wrap it around his waist as he kisses her passionately, sure that he'll never tire of doing so.